Finalizing a divorce involves many decisions, including "Who
gets the house"? There are generally two options regarding the house - it
can be sold and the proceeds divided, or one party can "buy out" the
other. In either case, one or both parties should order an appraisal of the
residence. Divorce appraisals require a well supported, professional appraisal
that is defensible in court. When you order an appraisal from us, you are
assured that you will get the best in professional service, courtesy, and the
highest quality appraisal. We also know how to handle the sensitive needs of a
divorce situation.
Settling an estate is an important and sometimes stressful job. As
an executor you have been entrusted to carry out the wishes of the deceased as
swiftly and exactly as possible. You can count on us to act quickly and with
sensitivity to the feelings of everyone involved.
Attorneys and Accountants rely on our values when calculating real
property values for estates, divorces, or other disputes requiring a value
being placed on real property. We understand their needs and are used to
dealing with all parties involved. We provide appraisal reports that meet the
requirements of the courts and various agencies.
As an attorney handling a divorce or settling an estate, your
needs oftentimes include an appraisal to establish fair market value for the
residential real estate involved. Often the divorce/death date differs from the
date you order the appraisal. We are familiar with the procedures and
requirements necessary to perform a retroactive appraisal with an effective
date and Fair Market Value estimate matching the date of divorce/death. The
ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of
discretion.
All too often, people do not fully appreciate the need to have a
detailed real estate appraisal prepared in support of the numbers being used in
documents filed with revenue and court authorities.
Opinions of value used in documents filed with the revenue
authorities should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser
arrived at his conclusions. Such a report will certainly demonstrate to the
authorities that the numbers used are well founded and substantiated.
Having a professional appraisal gives the executor solid facts and figures to work with in meeting court, IRS and state agency requirements. It assures peace of mind to everyone concerned because we are there to stand behind the appraisal if it is challenged.